Some Stride Piano Playing

Track Listings

1. Serenade for a Wealthy Widow

2. I Ain't Got Nobody

3. Prelude To a Kiss

4. Stompy Jones

5. Willow Tree

6. Up Jumped You With Love

7. Jitterbug Waltz

8. Wild Cat Blues

9. The Mooche

10. Lounging at the Waldorf

11. Zonky

12. Azure

13. I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket

14. Harlem Blues

15. You Took Advantage of Me

16. Concerto for Cootie

17. The Pearls

18. Black and Tan Fantasy

19. Love Me or Leave Me

20. Handful of Keys

Editorial Reviews
Dave Nathan, All About Jazz
The playlist discloses Francis' affinity for Waller, and why not? This CD is a welcome addition to the stride piano literature.

Product Description
On this solo piano CD, "Some Stride Piano Playing", Henry thins Francis presents a unique mix of Fats Waller and Duke Ellington compositions, plus some tasteful pop songs and show tunes from the classic period (1920-1940) of American songwriting -- rendered predominantly in the robust musical style of Fats Waller (hence the name "thins"). The frolicsome, flashy, swaggering sound of "Harlem stride" piano immediately commands attention, characterized by its strong rhythm, powerful left hand, and full orchestral sound. Henry's playing demonstrates that musical creativity and artistic viability can be achieved today in a noncontemporary jazz idiom.

The CD includes:

-- several "jump for joy" Fats Waller numbers, including "Handful of Keys" and "Zonky".

-- two lush "indigo mood" pieces by Duke Ellington ("Prelude To a Kiss", "Azure").

-- two Duke Ellington "jungle" numbers ("The Mooche", "Black & Tan Fantasy").

-- some superior songs, such as "You Took Advantage of Me" and "Love Me or Leave Me".

-- Fats Waller's famous jazz waltz, "Jitterbug Waltz".

-- assorted fascinating pieces by Jelly Roll Morton, W. C. Handy, and others.

Some Stride Piano Playing

Some Stride Piano Playing,Henry thins Francis

Jazz Music: